Amateurs bare all!

So imagine doing it for real – in front of a room full of friends, family and strangers, all from your home town.

That’s what the cast of Calendar Girls by Spen Amateurs did at Cleckheaton town hall last week, and I have to say I was just as impressed with their bravery in stripping off in front of a full house of Cleckheckmondsedge folk as I was their top-notch acting.

Although I was familiar with the facts – members of a Yorkshire Dales Women’s Institute group pose for a nude charity calendar – I didn’t know the full story.

It’s both a sad and happy tale, and I must admit I had alump in my throat at times – but I was also roaring with laughter at others.

Spen Amateurs gave a very professional performance and it is great to be able to see good quality acting right on your doorstep.

The leading ladies have even produced their own calendar to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

I’ve never seen an amateur dramatic performance get a standing ovation before, so it was heartwarming to see a audience members on their feet applauding the excellent cast.

To date, the real Calendar Girls have raised about £3m for Leukaemia Research – a massive achievement considering they only wanted to raise £600 for a hospital waiting room sofa!

Lauren Ballinger